Man with Alzheimer’s disease wasn’t aware wife died

JOHNSTON, R.I. — Rhode Island authorities say a 71-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia had lived with his dead wife’s body for at least two days before officials entered the home this week.

Police in Johnston say the man’s 67-year-old wife died a few days ago and he wasn’t aware that she had passed. Authorities say there were no signs of foul play.

Authorities say the man called the Fire Department on Wednesday and officials found the woman’s body and a dead dog. The home was condemned because of what authorities called deplorable living conditions.

The man was taken to a hospital for an evaluation and officials were trying to contact his family. The medical examiner’s office is investigating how the woman died.